Barcelona trip on mind? Be prepared to pay higher tourism tax
Barcelona plans to increase its tourist tax to €4 per night from the current €3.25 starting October 2024, aiming to generate €20 million more annually, reports Schengen Visa News. The tax varies by accommodation type: €1.70 for four-star hotels, €...
By ET Online | Updated:
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If you're gearing up for a trip to Barcelona, get ready to dig a little deeper into your wallet due to an increased tourism tax.
The popular tourist destination has decided to increase its tourist tax fee to €4 from the previous €3.25 that rose in April 2024, as per Schengen Visa News.
The city council agreed to increase visitor levies by over 20 per cent starting October 2024 in a move expected to generate an additional €20 million in revenues, Schengen.News reports.
According to local media, the regional tax varies depending on the type of accommodation where a tourist stays. For example, for four-star hotels, it is €1.70; for rental accommodations such as Airbnb, it is €2.25; and for five-star and luxury hotels, it is €3.50.
Passengers arriving by cruise ship and staying less than 12 hours in the city are charged €3, whereas those staying more than 12 hours pay €2.
Starting October this year, visitors intending to visit Barcelona will be subject to a payment of €4 on top of the regional tourist tax – an increase of €0.75 per night, the report says. “This means that guests accommodated in five-star hotels will pay a total of €7.50 per night – €52.50 per person for a week’s stay, up from the current €47.25.”
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In 2024, several countries have increased visitor fees to tackle over-tourism. Portimao, Portugal, has similarly introduced a tourist tax starting March 2024. The tax will vary between high and low seasons, with rates set at €2 per night from April to October and €1 per night from November to March.
International holidays: 8 dos & don'ts to keep in mind when buying travel insurance
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When buying travel insurance online, consider factors like cost, flexibility, customer reviews, your specific requirements, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. Ensure the policy covers your destinations, has no limits on trip duration, and includes belongings and theft coverage. Understand claim limits and missed flight policies for a comprehensive plan.
Here are 8 dos and 8 don'ts to keep in mind when buying travel insurance
When buying travel insurance online, consider factors like cost, flexibility, customer reviews, your specific requirements, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. Ensure the policy covers your des..
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Evaluate the type of coverage you need based on your destination, the nature of your trip, and any planned activities. This includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.
Evaluate the type of coverage you need based on your destination, the nature of your trip, and any planned activities. This includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost bag..
Read More
Research and compare different insurance policies. Look for reviews and ratings from other travelers to find a reputable provider with a solid claims process.
Research and compare different insurance policies. Look for reviews and ratings from other travelers to find a reputable provider with a solid claims process.
Ensure the policy provides adequate coverage for medical expenses, especially if traveling to countries with high healthcare costs. For instance, Schengen countries require a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
Ensure the policy provides adequate coverage for medical expenses, especially if traveling to countries with high healthcare costs. For instance, Schengen countries require a minimum coverage of EUR ..
Read More
Carefully read the policy details, including exclusions and limitations. Understand what is covered and what is not, especially regarding pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
Carefully read the policy details, including exclusions and limitations. Understand what is covered and what is not, especially regarding pre-existing conditions and high-risk activities.
Fully disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing the policy. Failure to do so might void your coverage in the event of a claim.
Fully disclose any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing the policy. Failure to do so might void your coverage in the event of a claim.
In the current global scenario, make sure your travel insurance includes COVID-19 coverage. Some countries, like Singapore and Seychelles, mandate this for entry.
In the current global scenario, make sure your travel insurance includes COVID-19 coverage. Some countries, like Singapore and Seychelles, mandate this for entry.
Understand the claims process of the insurance provider. Ensure they offer a straightforward and efficient process, preferably with 24/7 customer support and online claims filing.
Understand the claims process of the insurance provider. Ensure they offer a straightforward and efficient process, preferably with 24/7 customer support and online claims filing.
Carry a copy of your insurance policy, including contact numbers and the claims process. This ensures you can access assistance quickly in case of an emergency.
Carry a copy of your insurance policy, including contact numbers and the claims process. This ensures you can access assistance quickly in case of an emergency.
Avoid choosing the cheapest policy without considering its coverage limits and exclusions. Comprehensive coverage is worth the investment for peace of mind.
Avoid choosing the cheapest policy without considering its coverage limits and exclusions. Comprehensive coverage is worth the investment for peace of mind.